Histology Technologist, Anatomic Pathology Lab - Registry, Day Shift

Job Description

Be a part of a world‑class academic healthcare system,
UChicago Medicine
, as a Histology Technologist in the Anatomic Pathology Lab department. In this role, you will be responsible for preparing and processing surgical, autopsy, and outreach tissue specimens by routine histologic techniques to be examined under a microscope by a pathologist. This is a 100% onsite opportunity. You will need to be based in the greater Chicagoland area.

• Ensure that specimens meet acceptance criteria and utilize LIS and specimen tracking/documentation software to assure patient, label, and block identification and record deficiencies/quality concerns.
• Perform daily and preventative maintenance of tissue processors, staining platforms, paraffin dispensers, embedding stations, water baths, microtomes, cryostats, freezers, refrigerators, microscopes, etc. as outlined in laboratory procedures and recommended by the manufacturer.
• Prepare all tissues for microscopic study, including but not limited to specimen receiving and verification, processing, embedding, microtomy (cutting), staining (H&E, special stains and IHC as appropriate), and cover slipping.
• Perform processing/preparation techniques for muscle, sural nerve, and/or renal tissue. May assist in cutting/staining of frozen sections.
• Own process for “recut” logs: additional levels/deepers, special stains, IHC, molecular, etc.
• Prepare routine, special stain, and IHC solutions following laboratory and safety procedures.
• Report all test results according to policies and procedures, within stated turn‑around times, and follow appropriate backup procedures during computer downtimes.
• Practice the proficient and safe use of all equipment necessary for the completion of all duties and responsibilities by following all maintenance, operation, safety and quality controls policies and procedures.
• Assist in the development of new protocol, updated antibodies, and probes.
• Work with peers to identify and resolve problems. Report equipment or instrument malfunctions and document appropriately.
• Escalate serious or persistent issues to the supervisor.
• Maintain section’s inventory.
• Take a project lead responsibilities as needed.
• May assist in the Gross Room as needed.
• Provide patient‑focused care in a clinical setting through the accurate performance of routine and complex tests through the pre‑analytic, analytic and post‑analytic stages.
• Answer inquiries regarding specimen handling, results and other technical information.
• Appropriately assist clinicians with requests and seek out resources necessary when information is not available to answer questions.
• Assist with research projects guided by the department, faculty, fellows and residents.
• Participate in peer interviews of other histotechnicians, histotechnologists, and histology assistants.
• Assist in the training of peers and house staff in the proficient and safe use of equipment in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
• Ensure completion of quality control, maintenance, and quality assurance documentation.
• Participate in ongoing laboratory accreditation and inspection preparation.
• Participate in review of laboratory policies and procedures, training and competency activities, and proficiency testing program.
• Maintain pathology archives (pulling and filing blocks, slides, and frozen tissue samples).
• Perform lot‑to‑lot verification for new antibodies and probes against old lots and document the process.
• Perform microscopic quality controls on tissue slides for quality of processing, cutting, staining, and cover slipping, as needed and investigate all steps when staining is not optimal.
• Participate in educational and training activities to acquire new skills, maintain technical relevance and improve proficiency.
• Assist with root cause analysis (RCA) investigations and providing solutions.
• Perform testing as necessary.

• Five years’ experience in a histology laboratory setting.
• Successful completion of a NAACLS accredited Histotechnician or Histotechnologist program; and/or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in biology or other laboratory science.
• Ability to…